Mark Warner

I think we should visit that issue only if in fact at some point in time that position is made official. The purpose of that language--and I accept full responsibility for that language--is I feel fervently that the ability for us to…

I think, certainly in my judgment, that would be an acceptable situation because there is clarity in the amendment of the Senator from Kentucky about a point that is very important to me; i.e, sovereignty, exercise of that. With no…

He was fired. Mr. McCONNELL. He was fired. Is it not the case, I ask my friend, the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, that the National Security Adviser, Steve Hadley, if you will, of the Iraqi Government, stated shortly thereafter…

I am happy to yield the floor, if the Senator so desires. Mr. McCONNELL. If the Senator will yield for a question, I say to my friend from Virginia: Is the Senator from Kentucky correct that the genesis of the Nelson amendment is a…

To accommodate the Senate, would we not at 12:30 p.m. go into recess? Perhaps I can ask unanimous consent that at the conclusion--how much time does the Senator wish to speak?

The managers are working with our respective leaders on the remainder of the schedule for the next few hours, but in the meantime I understand our distinguished Senator from Iowa wishes to speak. I certainly have no objection. I ask…

We are fully in concurrence as managers, but I would like to have the benefit of our leaders and the respective staff working up a unanimous consent agreement precisely outlining that. Then, as I further discussed with my colleague from…

I had stepped off the floor for a minute. You are going to introduce your legislation as an amendment to the authorization bill.

We will, of course, I say to my good friend, in due course comment and provide a response to, first, your request on procedure, and, second, to the substance of this very important amendment. So I thank you for the cooperation that you…

The two leaders and I and Senator Kennedy have had an opportunity to talk about, first, the parliamentary situation and, secondly, an amendment that the Senator from Massachusetts desires to bring up. We have come to an agreement whereby…

Only in the sense that the two leaders and you and I come to the floor. I am not suggesting cloture or anything of that nature. I would hope this bill could be passed on by the Senate without the benefit of any cloture motion.

Senator Frist and I have discussed that. I believe he is in conversation with the leadership on your side. I heartily endorse that approach. Perhaps we could formalize it in some way.

I see the distinguished minority whip here. Maybe he could advise us what his ascertainment might be with regard to the balance of amendments on that side.

Fine. The Senators I have indicated here on my sheet are Senators Sessions, Obama, Allard, Salazar, and I judge that scribbling is Senator Warner of Virginia.

I send a series of amendments to the desk which have been cleared by myself and the distinguished ranking member. I ask unanimous consent that the Senate consider the amendments en bloc, the amendments be agreed to, the motions to…

So we have a procedure on that. For the moment, I suggest we set aside the pending amendment and turn to the matter of trying to clear some amendments on this side. Is that appropriate at this time?

That committee has done a prodigious amount of work. I certainly commend the chairman and ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee. They are workers.

What I would suggest we do is have a consultation with Senators Collins and Lieberman and then follow up with a letter, if we deem appropriate.

I say to my distinguished ranking member, I think at this time it would be appropriate if the Senator wishes to bring up his amendment. We are in business, I say to my colleagues wherever they are, for purposes of amendments. The Senator…

I was much taken by the remarks of the Senator from North Dakota. I have great respect for the Senator from North Dakota. I tell you, you do a lot of homework. You do a lot of independent work. And while I do not have the expertise with…

If I might amend the UC to delete the last sentence which reads: Finally, I ask unanimous consent that following the offering of the amendment, Senator Chambliss be recognized in order to offer an amendment. I ask that sentence be dropped.

I so note his comments. Again, addressing the Senator's amendment, it clearly, in my judgment, restricts in some respects the recognition that this is a sovereign government in Iraq today, in the hands of a duly elected Prime Minister and…

First I would like to say to my colleague, we have had a very strong, fervent and heartfelt debate, not a brouhaha by any definition of the use of those terms. We have heard from two of the most respected combat veterans currently serving…

I am delighted to accommodate my colleague. I would hope we could discourse this matter in the traditional way of a colloquy, but if you want the exclusive right to the floor--if that is your desire--then I yield the floor, Mr. President…

There are Senators who have to go to the Pentagon for a memorial service. The yeas and nays have been ordered.